No electricity supply to your home
There could be several reasons why you have no supply to your home. In the first instance check that neighbours have a supply. If there is no supply to your area contact your utility supplier in the first instance.
For details of your distribution network supplier, visit: Northern Powergrid - power cuts.
If it is just your home affected then you need to establish where the problem is. Faulty or damaged wiring, sockets and electrical fixtures in your home can be dangerous and care should be taken.
If you are an owner-occupier it is your responsibility and you should contact a NICEIC or similar registered contractor to fix the problem.
If you are a tenant your landlord is responsible for fixing the problem, contact your landlord to inform them and agree when the work can be carried out, give them the opportunity to resolve the problem before contacting us.
Dangerous wiring, sockets and electrical fixtures
Exposed bare wires (such as copper wire showing) or sparking sockets in the home can be dangerous and extreme care should be taken. Contact with live parts at 240 volts can cause electric shocks, burns and fires.
Your landlord must make sure that the electrical system in the house is safe and that all appliances they supply (such as cookers, kettles etc.) are safe.
What you can do
- As a tenant your landlord is responsible for fixing the problem. Inform them and agree when the work can be carried out, give them the opportunity to resolve the problem before contacting us.
What we can do
- If your landlord refuses to undertake any essential electrical repair works we may be able to assist and you can contact Environmental Health.
Report a repair problem with a private landlord
Advice and guidance about electrical safety in the home can be found at Shelter- electrical safety in rented homes
No lights or power
There could be a number of reasons why you have no lighting or power in your home.
What you can do
- Check if the lights in the street or if any neighbours have been affected. Check Northern Power Grid to confirm if there has been a power cut in your area.
- Check that the bill has been paid.
- If your home has a prepayment meter check you have sufficient credit.
- Check if it is just the lights or sockets or if both are affected. If it is just the lights or just the sockets the problem will be confined to your home and it is possible that a fuse has blown.
- Check the fuse board; often fuses blow or with more modern fuse boards the fuse can "trip".
Persistent problems with fuses blowing may indicate a more serious electrical problem or a faulty appliance. In this case it is advisable to get an electrician to check the installation or contact your landlord if you rent your home. If the problem does relate to the electrical installation the owner may need to undertake repair work.
Flooding and electrical safety
There is advice and guidance about electrical safety following a flood in the flooding section below.
In addition, for a tenant's checklist leaflet on electrical safety, visit: Electrical safety guidance and advice.